What is the primary purpose of a Class A fire extinguisher?

A Class A fire extinguisher is specifically designed to extinguish fires that involve ordinary combustible materials, which include solids such as wood, paper, cloth, and some plastics. These materials are common in a variety of environments, making Class A extinguishers vital for safety in places like homes, offices, and schools.

The effectiveness of a Class A extinguisher comes from the extinguishing agents it contains, such as water or other extinguishing agents that can cool the burning materials and remove the heat necessary for combustion. Individuals trained in fire safety recognize that targeting the correct class of fire with the appropriate extinguisher can significantly impact the chances of successful fire suppression.

While fire extinguishers of other classes are crucial for addressing different types of fires—like liquids, electrical equipment, or chemicals—Class A extinguishers are indispensable for dealing specifically with fires caused by solid combustibles, which is why this option is the correct answer.